Tara and I didn't mind the breaks in between songs in marimba class. As Noah said "Mama and Lesley get the chance to gossip". We always managed to get in a quick exchange before starting the next song. We had so much fun, though we two were often very nervous before performing and would do a quick "clammy hands/sweaty armpits" check, laughing at ourselves and each other as we did it. For my 50th birthday present last year Tara organized the group purchase of a marimba. I was completely surprised and so touched by the gift and the time and thought that went into it. I have many happy memories of time spent with Tara. She was gentle and kind but with a little impy edge to her that I adored. Her birthday card to me last year sums up that edge - A 40's woman in a sweater set with one eyebrow arched and the words "old enough to know better, too young to give a rat's ass".

Oh Tara, I miss you. I will think of you every time I pick up my mallets. I'll see you on The Other Side, my friend.

With love,

Lesley, Michael and Lena
Mill Bay